Why is religious belief privileged?

[chickenfeet]

I find the debates over the wearing of veils interesting. Generally speaking I think that if someone wants to wear a veil they should. Not because it's part of their religion but because I can't think of a good reason why they shouldn't. I note though that the debate is couched almost entirely in religious terms. That prompts me to ask the question why religious beliefs should be held to justify behaviour that would be be banned or discouraged if indulged in because of other beliefs, however deeply held. For example, why should a committed nudist not be permitted to meet Mr. Jack Straw or attend a lecture at Imperial College in a state of undress? They certainly couldn't be held to be a security risk! It might be argued that nudity offends some people but that, of course, is precisely the argument used against veils.

Comments

[dyddgu.livejournal.com]

One of Straw's cronies was on the radio when this all broke saying "It's socially unacceptable and rude to speak to someone when wearing dark glasses", and essentially said that it was the same thing with veils.
(just reporting, like. I have not formulated a view of this all yet)

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

Someone should tell that to the police around here. They always wear shades.

[dyddgu.livejournal.com]

I have to say, it was the first I'd heard of this reportedly really obvious point of etiquette...